Transitioning a Loved One to Assisted Living

 

 

Moving into an assisted living facility is a huge change for a loved one, as well as for family members. However, there are some things you can do so the switch is as hassle-free as possible for everyone. There’s no foolproof way to help someone you love adopt to a new living environment, but the tips below can make the process much less stressful.

 

Recognize When the Time Is Right

There are often many strong and very personal emotions associated with determining whether now is the appropriate time for your loved one to move into an assisted living facility. However, for the safety of your loved one, plus your own peace of mind, it’s important to learn some of the telltale signs that strongly suggest it’s time to get help.

For example, if you notice your loved one starts displaying aggression that gets worse as the day progresses, he or she may be displaying a symptom called sundowning. It can be extremely taxing for caregivers. Also, if you feel your loved one is no longer safe in his or her own home and you cannot adequately offer the necessary assistance, it’s time to think about approaching an assisted living facility.

 

Have Open Conversations

Elderly loved ones can become embarrassed or bitter if they feel their wishes are not being respected during the transition process. Take time to listen to fears and concerns, as well as any specifics they have about how they’d like to live.

When loved ones feel you’re respecting their freedom of choice, they’ll be less likely to get defensive. At the heart of your conversations, try to convey you’re concerned about his or her well-being and are responding out of love.

 

Do Your Research

It’s often best to choose a facility that offers a wide range of assisted living options for clients. Whereas you may have initially decided residential assisted living is the best option for the one you love, it might become clear that for now, a supervised environment during daytime hours is actually a better choice.

The Internet is a great way to start searching for a facility, but you should also take time to do in-person tours when possible. Asking trusted friends for recommendations about elderly living options is a great avenue to pursue, too.

 

Figure Out Financing

Many well-meaning family members of elderly loved ones decide to move them into very upscale facilities that are ultimately too pricey. If a person is residing at an assisted living facility but then runs out of funding options, he or she will likely have to move. That could be extremely stressful and overwhelming. To avoid that possibility, talk honestly about budgeting, and err on the side of caution.

 

Be Respectful

Whether you are at the point where you’re helping a loved one move into a new place or are still surveying the options, remember that anxiety and uncertainty are common emotions during any major life change. If you can make it clear you want to be respectful and supportive, loved ones will be more likely to confide in you.

Transitioning to assisted living is not a straightforward decision, nor should it be one made in haste. The suggestions above should make it easier to be sensitive to your loved one’s desire for as much independence as possible, while also being mindful of health and safety concerns.

 

Categories: Advice, aging, assisted living, Family

If Your Parent is Doing These 4 Things, They May Need Assisted Living

 

Over 15 million Americans unselfishly devote their time and energy in order to care for their elderly parent or loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease according to experts. However, the expense of continuous caregiving can get very high. Often, caregivers find themselves no longer able to adequately bear the tremendous burden of providing health care at home without significantly suffering from illness and stress themselves.

 

At this point, it’s likely time to face the fact that their parent indeed may be ready for some sort of assisted living if their needs are too hard to deal with at home. Here are four key signs that indicate your elderly parent may need the help of assisted living.

 

1. Sundowning

Sundowner syndrome refers to an agitated behavior that increases as the sun goes down later in the day. It’s a common trait among people with Alzheimer’s. Doctors say that it can be overwhelming on caregivers, and that once it starts to seriously disrupt family lifestyles and routines, it may be a big clue that the burden of caregiving is too difficult to deal with.

Physical, verbal, and even sexually-driven aggression often occurs in people suffering with dementia, which in turn can make caregivers and family members start to feel somewhat overwhelmed and even resentful. When the elderly parent reaches that unfortunate state, it’s probably time to consider assisted living placement in a location like Alpine Manor Home for Adults.

 

2. Wandering

In the later stages of dementia, the dangerous risk that wandering poses greatly increases according to clinical experts. In fact, they can even start to wander away in the little time it takes for the caregiver to use the bathroom, which increases the likelihood of injuries and falls.

 

3. Caregiver Stress

How stressed out the caregiver becomes along with other symptoms such as extreme fatigue can be just as big a sign that it may be time for extra help as the parent’s dementia-based behavior itself. As a caregiver, are you constantly worried and stressed out 24/7? Have you sacrificed your mind, body, and spirit to care for your elderly parent? As noble as a caregiver’s job is, reaching the point of utter despair, resentment, and physical exhaustion will help no one in the end.

 

4. Home Stress Issues and Increasing Care Needs

Is the parent with dementia becoming increasingly unsafe in their own home? Is their health or the health of the caregiver at risk? If the answer is ‘yes’ to either of these questions, placement may necessary.

 

While no one ever wants to move out of their home and into assisted living, in some cases it may be the safest and best possible solution available. If you do decide to place your elderly parent into an assisted living program, thoroughly look at the housing situation along with their current medical needs and overall health status to make the most-informed choice.

 

Categories: alzheimers, assisted living, caregiver stress, caregiving, Dementia, senior care, sundowner syndrome, wandering

Assisted Living: When Declined Health Demands It

As seniors enter into their retirement years, they may wonder if it is really necessary for them to keep living in their big family homes. With their children and grandchildren living in their own homes, seniors may have no reason to keep such big houses that are costly and time consuming to maintain. Even more, senior citizens may realize that their big family houses could actually be a detriment to their health.

 

As they contemplate whether or not to move to an assisted living facility, seniors may consider several important benefits that these communities have to offer people in their age category.

 

 

Around the Clock Assistance

Despite being in good overall health, seniors may experience periodic ailments and injuries that require immediate medical attention. If they remain in their own homes, they might have to call 911 and wait for help to arrive, during which time they might suffer pain and discomfort that could adversely affect their future health.

 

When they move to an assisted living facility, however, medical help is on-site and ready to respond to a variety of medical emergencies. If a senior falls down, passes out, chokes, or experiences any other medical circumstance, he or she can be helped immediately by the on-site medical staff.

 

 

Plentiful Activities

Many seniors who stay in their own homes risk becoming isolated and lonely. If their families rarely come to visit and seniors lose their ability to drive themselves to and from social events, they may become despondent and depressed by their isolation. When they move to an assisted living facility, however, seniors can enjoy a range of activities geared specifically for their age group.

 

They can choose activities that appeal to them and enjoy taking part in games, movie nights, shopping trips, and other fun events regularly. They can make friends with others who live in the facility and always have someone to talk to and share experiences with when they move to one of these facilities.

 

 

On-Site Amenities

Even though they are in their retirement years, many seniors still like to look their best. Rather than drive to a local beauty shop or barber, they can enjoy having quick access to such amenities when they move to an assisted living facility. Many facilities make available on-site beauty shops and barber services that will keep seniors looking well-trimmed and stylish throughout the week. They can avoid having to take a bus, drive themselves, or pay for a taxi to take them to a local salon. Some assisted living communities, such as Birmingham’s Chateau Vestavia, even offer retirement community apartments as well.

 

 

Housekeeping Services

Many senior citizens experience difficulties with some household tasks like vacuuming and making their own beds. Rather than hurt themselves taking care of their private apartments, they can enjoy the facility’s housekeeping services. When they use these services, they can relax while a housekeeper makes their private apartment nice and tidy.

 

Retirement should be a time of ease and enjoyment. When senior citizens find it difficult to enjoy their golden years while living in their own homes, they may find the fun, variety, and relaxation they desire when they move to an assisted living facility. They can enjoy a variety of services designed to keep them happy, healthy, and safe.

 

 

Lisa Coleman shares some ways that a person can continue to live independently when declined health demands a little help. She recently read online how assisted living is a positive choice for the life of a senior who needs this type of daily help.

 

 

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/herry/371706676/

Categories: assisted living, assisted living amenities, declined health, declined health of a senior, health demands, health nbsp, housekeeping services, living facility, nbsp, nbsp nbsp